Overuse of "Battle" or "Battle Buddy"?

2013-12-06T21:07:11-05:00

Anyone else think the term "Battle" is overused? It's not as bad as "Bro" or even worse, "Bruh/Brah" (which is just a shorter term for 'Brother'), but it seems it's being over used. Thoughts on this topic?

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 6 at 2013 9:11 PM

2013-12-06T21:11:18-05:00

Nah battle.  I was just talking to one of my Bruh's bout dis yesterday.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 6 at 2013 9:22 PM

2013-12-06T21:22:23-05:00

Sounds like someone found the Facebook group "Lead From The Front", or as they are more commonly know on other military groups, "those mother&^$&ers who banned me because I wouldn't call everyone battle!". =)

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Dec 6 at 2013 9:25 PM

2013-12-06T21:25:29-05:00

Buddy is only half the word... Blue Falcon Away!!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2013 9:25 PM

2013-12-06T21:25:30-05:00

No, Sergeant, because I hear and use the term much less frequently than we did in training. It was ingrained in us in BCT and AIT.

I would hope that leaders would be accepting of the term, because once you start peeling away the layers of our indoctrination, you also chip away some of the ideals and good habits we were taught along with it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2013 9:32 PM

2013-12-06T21:32:30-05:00

yeah I think that Battle $#!! has got to go already lol

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 6 at 2013 9:34 PM

2013-12-06T21:34:53-05:00

I really only ever hear it from new PVT's or Senior NCO's who've spent WAYYYYYYY too much time in TRADOC.. Incidentally, I've never met anyone who's deployed that uses that phrase. I've no idea if that's causation or correlation..

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2013 5:44 AM

2013-12-07T05:44:59-05:00

I'll confess that I use "Brother" a lot... both in a Religious setting and in Garrisson when I run into someone in civvies...

I use it because 1) I can't remember what rank someone is, 2) I can't remember someone's name, or 3) when I'm talking to a junior enlisted about something not rank-oriented (e.g. I was getting pointers from a totally jacked PFC at the gym about weight-lifting...)

Response by SPC Matthew Birkinbine made Dec 7 at 2013 7:12 AM

2013-12-07T07:12:50-05:00

Personally, I like the term "battle" when talking to my peers only. I would never use the term toward a senior or a junior because typically, your battle buddy is one of your peers on the same level as you (someone you're trying to grow with). I don't think the term is overused at all, and believe use of the term creates a more humane atmosphere. Units do emphasize a "use of" the battle buddy system, so why not treat your counterparts like s/he is your battle buddy? The ones I don't like are "bro" and "brother" because it fosters a bit of sexism. I've never heard someone who would call me bro or brother call a female "sis" or "sister" at least with the term "battle" you're recognizing that person as one who could end up in the foxhole with you and whom you would count on in a firefight.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2013 12:29 PM

2013-12-07T12:29:08-05:00

I have no issues with Soldiers using the term "Battle" as a reference to their battle buddy. In my mind it is a term that reflects how the Soldiers feel about each other. They are closely bonded and can count on each other for anything - on or off duty. The most important aspect of being a battle buddy in my mind is how they take care of each other off duty more so than on duty...

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 7 at 2013 2:38 PM

2013-12-07T14:38:26-05:00

Now that I think about it, I do sometimes jokingly refer to my son as my little battle buddy, even though I think it sounds silly coming from anyone over the rank of SPC... I guess I'm a hypocrite. :0).

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 5:35 PM

2014-07-29T17:35:48-04:00

Those don't bother me as much as the word "Hooah" is starting to get on my nerves. I feel like it is waaaayy to overused these days.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 29 at 2014 9:51 PM

2014-07-29T21:51:34-04:00

"Battle huddle" was a bit over the top for a 5 minute meeting in the TOC.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 10:56 PM

2014-07-29T22:56:29-04:00

Not in the Navy. We have 'battle stations' on our ships. Go up to the bridge of any carrier and call out, "THIS IS A DRILL, THIS A DRILL, ALL HANDS MAN YOUR BATTLE STATIONS!" Hopefully that will give you a new appreciation for the term

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 8:14 PM

2015-01-01T20:14:48-05:00

It's not as bad as 'warrior companion' I heard thrown around a few times.

Response by SGT Justin Singleton made Jan 2 at 2015 8:11 AM

2015-01-02T08:11:07-05:00

I have absolutely no problem with the use of "battle" or "bro" or "brother." If I were still in the military, and rank structure was still in place, I would never call a higher ranking individual anything other then their rank (or sir). Lower ranks, I would either use "brother" or if disciplining or in a serious mood use their rank. Equal rank, eother brother or if in a serious mood SGT.

Now...eight years later, I will most likely call you "brother," but it is meant as a term of endearment. "Battle"...I might use, but rarely. If I see you in the store wearing your ACUs, I might walk by you and say, "How you doin' there big sergeant?" or something similar.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 8:39 PM

2015-01-02T20:39:41-05:00

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 11:34 PM

2015-01-02T23:34:09-05:00

Yes, definitely over used.

I try not to utilize those terms that others cling to.

I prefer to be original. Basically I stick to the customs and courtesies.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Jan 6 at 2015 3:44 PM

2015-01-06T15:44:30-05:00

I used it when I knew someone for a long time or that was close. I dont think that it is over used at all

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2015 8:21 AM

2015-01-10T08:21:54-05:00

I've always equated the term "battle buddy" with "babysitter".

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2015 10:18 PM

2015-01-10T22:18:26-05:00

I see it like this, there are "Battle Buddies" and than there are "Battles".

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2019 10:48 PM

2019-01-13T22:48:46-05:00

I personally find it annoying, SGM.